The best low-budget video cameras of 2024

Even some of the cheapest camera equipment can let you create seriously impressive cinematic footage in your own front room. With some of the best low-budget video cameras at our fingertips, it’s easier than ever for creators to shoot and share quality footage. Some creators even use low-budget video gear to make full-length movies. Others, such as gamers, will rig them up for some live video streaming to their online channel, with some even specifically designed for streaming, such as the Logitech StreamCam, check out our review.

So, if you aspire to be the next Spielberg or want to go viral on YouTube, you’ll need the right kit. Yes, there are those who will understandably warn against cheap products. When it comes to getting what you pay for, this adage is never truer than with camera technology. But, while some high-end cameras will set you back several thousand pounds, you really don’t have to remortgage the house to enter the world of quality video production.

The best low-budget video cameras of 2024 at a glance:

• Best overall low-budget video camera: Canon SX740 HS PowerShot - View at OnBuy.com
• Best compact low-budget video camera: GoPro HERO9 - Waterproof Sports Camera - View at Amazon
• Best low-budget video camera for kids: Toiauaha 4K Autofocus Vlogging Camera - View at Amazon
• Best low-budget video camera with stabilisation: DJI Osmo Pocket 3-Axis Gimbal Stabiliser with Integrated Camera - View at Amazon

Our experts have taken a look at everything from action cams, and compact cameras to DSLRs - all of which now come with impressive video specs. There’s even an option with a built-in gimbal for serious image stabilisation - ideal for outdoorsy types and videos on the move. But with so many options, what's the best low-budget video camera for your needs? Do you really need a ton of megapixels to shoot great-looking videos? And what if you want to shoot in slow motion? That's where What's The Best's recommendations come in.

But, what is low-budget? For some, it might be anything under £100; and then there are others who would baulk at spending anything less than £1000. For us, knowing that quality cameras are normally in the high hundreds, we're looking at anything under £400 that can still deliver the goods. We've put together a handy buyer's guide to help you choose, plus some of your frequently asked questions at the end of the article too. So, get ready for some impressive tech specs at equally remarkable prices as we take a look at some of the best low-budget video cameras, up next.

Best low-budget video cameras of 2024:

Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.

How to choose the best low-budget video camera for you

Tracking down the best low-budget video cameras is always a dizzying prospect. Each camera has its specific uses, pros and cons - so the one that is best for you is the one that meets your needs.

We recommend putting together a list of priorities – what are your essential features? Here are a few questions to consider to help you get some fresh perspective on this.

Are you recording indoors or outdoors?

If you want to vlog from your home office, your needs differ from someone capturing footage of mountainside trails.

An indoor-based recording will need good low-light performance (unless you have a studio or LED lights) and, generally speaking, a short focal length. If you’re filming outdoors, you must account for weather protection, video camera weight, and battery life.

Are you recording action?

If you’re capturing action, then you need a camera with quick autofocus and high frame rates. Image stabilisation (in-built or via a gimbal - more on those in our jargon buster, below) will help here, too, as it will ensure that panning and movements are silky smooth.

Are you recording yourself?

If you’re recording yourself, it’s a good idea to pick a video camera with a flip-out screen. This will allow you to make sure you’re in focus - even autofocus can have hiccups from time to time. If you’re recording yourself when you’re walking around, image stabilisation (in-built or via a gimbal) will result in smooth footage. But also don't forget that holding a weighty camera at arms-length is going to be tiring. Consider a hand-held mount for your camera with a decent grip. Or of course, a good old-fashioned tripod if you're not planning on moving around while filming.

Are you travelling with your new video camera?

If so, consider size and weight seriously. Small compact video cameras and action cameras are ideal for travel, as they're portable, particularly for air travel. Most importantly, don't skimp on protecting your new gear with the right cases and bags. We have a definitive list incamera bags if you're looking to transport all your kit around in style and safety.

Are you recording in slow motion?

There’s no denying that slow-motion is huge fun, whether used to see a dog shake off after a bath or during sports. Good quality slow-motion requires as many frames as possible - we recommend 120fps, but 60fps will do at a pinch.

What about sound?

Depending on your choice of best low-budget video camera, if you're recording selfies or simple videos for social media you'll probably be fine with whatever internal microphone is built into your camera. But if you're in the mood for higher-quality audio you'll probably want to invest in an external mic. These can be wired or Bluetooth for wireless connection. Some can be mounted to the camera itself, such as the RØDE Auxiliary VideoMic GO, and others can clip onto your shirt.

Either way, your choice of camera should include some way to connect an external microphone. We recommend you choose your camera first, based on the video quality and features you need, and then investigate microphone connectivity. Many cameras will support Bluetooth connections, others will have a standard 3.5mm mic jack input on the camera itself. If you have neither, a microphone with a 3.5mm jack can be connected to a mobile phone for recording sound that can then be added to your video footage while editing.

Best low-budget video cameras: Frequently asked questions

What features should I look for in a video camera?

This is very much down to your needs. If you're a budding filmmaker, you'll probably want to go for the highest resolution you can afford - which usually means 4K. You may also want to go for a camera with more manual control, particularly with focus and exposure. A stills camera, like the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ82 4K Bridge Camera above, that shoots video is a good option here. But pay attention to your sound options too, as some budget DSLRs don't come with an input for a separate mic.

If you're more of a video blogger, live streamer or casual user you'll need a camera with good automatic settings for exposure and focussing. That way you can be in front of the camera and won't need to worry about anything else. Mic options here are quite important, as your camera should be able to connect to the mic of your choice for better vocals. This will give you cleaner audio in general, particularly when filming outside. If your camera has no external mic input, consider a mic that can connect to your phone for recording audio separately.

What's the best low-budget video camera for filmmaking?

Although a 'film look' can be applied to any footage in post-production, nothing beats a better quality lens. Generally speaking, a DSLR camera will have a lens with a wider diameter than many cheaper video cameras. Better glass means better quality of light. More light will make its way to the sensor, so you'll have more flexibility in the edit. Check out our guide to lenses if you'd like more info to help you choose.

What makes a video camera good in low light?

Low light with cheaper cameras can often present a problem. One of the high-tech elements that help to film in limited light is the sensor of the camera. The better (and more costly ) the sensor, the more it will be able to capture. Many low-budget cameras have digital gain, which can overcome this, but often results in a very grainy picture. The only other way to overcome this is with some equally cost-effective portable LED lights. They're lightweight and can transform your shoots, with small LED ring lights for video blogging and larger LED light panels for larger scenes.

Do I need a tripod?

Any manual handling of any video equipment, even the humble point-and-click camera, can make controlling composition on-the-fly more of a challenge for some. Unless you're lucky enough to have serious image stabilisation in-camera via a gimbal, you probably should consider a tripod. Say goodbye to struggling to get smooth camera movements like pan and tilt. And also it will free up your hands, and you, if you need to be included in your own shot. No camera kit is complete without one; whether that's a flexible table-top version like a Joby GorillaPod or a full-sized fluid-head tripod like the Velbon DV-7000N.

Jargon buster

Frame rate

Frame rate, normally measured in FPS (Frames Per Second) is key when considering any low-budget video camera. Typically, low-cost cameras have framerates that can lead to issues later. For instance, if you're looking to slow a clip down you'll need to stretch the current number of frames to last longer on screen. So, if you've filmed at 25fps, and you need to slow a one-second clip down to last three times as long, your 25 frames will now become around 8fps. That's going to make for a terribly jerky video. So, the higher the frame rate you can afford, the better. Common frame rates are 50fps, 60fps, and 120fps

Resolution

Resolution is the number of pixels that make up each frame of your video, expressed as width x height. As you may imagine, the resolution of cameras is intrinsically linked with that of display screens like TVs. The most common resolution you'll find when it comes to the best low-budget cameras is 4K. That's 3840 x 4320 pixels. If you'd like to know more about this, check out our expert guide to resolution.

Image stabilisation (OIS / EIS)

This is the technology that enables you to film smooth shots even when shooting handheld while on the move. Even mobile phones have image stabilization built into them, but don't be fooled. There are two main types of stabilisation: OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation), and EIS (Electronic Image Stabilisation). The former is better - this is normally found in high-end cameras due to the engineering involved. The camera will have internal gimbal systems to keep the internal lens components smoothly balanced. With electronic stabilization, the device analyses the video for shakey movement and adjusts it on-the-fly in the camera. However, to achieve this the image is always cropped at the edges to achieve the smooth motion, this can often create an artificial look. But, keep the camera relatively stable as you shoot, and EIS is a perfectly good solution.

Chris Duffill is a Senior Tech Writer and Reviewer for What's The Best. His background includes writing, editorial, marketing, design, video production and photography.

He specialises in home entertainment and audiovisual tech, including speakers, amplifiers, turntables, streaming media players, and TVs. He is also one of our resident experts in computing (PCs, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches), DSLR photography and all kinds of digital cameras. He also writes about retro gaming, game consoles and various electronic gadgets. If it plugs in, lights up or makes a noise, he’ll write about it.

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